Sure enough, Little Miss' new favorite stuffed toy got left behind today. Oh crap. What do we do? By this time, it was around five or so and neither the hubs nor I wanted to drive to 30 minutes in both directions to fetch Miss Minnie Mouse. So we decided to do what we could to distract Little Miss from her missing toy.

The unfortunate thing is that Minnie is apart of our bedtime ritual. Was she going to "freak out" at bedtime? Would she refuse to sleep without her? I resigned myself to cross that bridge if and when I had too.

As the evening went on, she asked for Minnie more and I kept telling her that Minnie was at Nanny and Papa's house which she understood to an extent, but she was stilling wanting the toy. Nonetheless, the evening continues uneventfully and now it's bedtime. BOM, BOM, BOM.My only ACE up the sleeve was Puppy. Her other plush bedtime companion. He was #1 until Minnie came along. Maybe he planned to make her disappear so he could be #1 toy again?

Little Miss--"Minnie?, Minnie? Minnie?"

Me--"Minnie is at Nanny and Papa's. You will see him in the morning. Here's puppy. Time to go night night."This conversation was repeated a couple of times, but it worked!! HALLELUJAH! Bedtime was uneventful......no tears, screaming or battle of the wills. I guess the silver lining is that she likes two two at night night and for that I am thankful. I know some kids have their favorite ONE blanket, toy etc and without all hell breaking loose. It was just another simple but significant moment in my mommyhood parenting journey!P.S. Did you have a favorite "something" that you couldn't live without? Does your kid? Tell me about it in the comments section.

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

When this momma gets some time to herself to unwind sometime between 8:00 pm to 8:30 pm, I like to read the latest blog posts from the bloggers I follow, waste time on Pinterest, read a little news or a book, and La-dee-da on Facebook. I thought it would be fun to share with you some of stuff I thought was interesting, neat, funny or weird. Here is part four of my series:

My students told me about this video in class today after we talked about parenting styles. It called 7 ways to punish your kid.

Did you hear the Jonas Brothers broke up the band? Say it isn't so!? Oh wait....I really don't care.

And here is a funny pic I found on Pinterest.

Thanks for coming along this bloggy ride. What did you come across this week that was interesting? I would love to hear. Leave me a comment!

And to top things off, we went out to an authentic Italian restaurant as family.

What more could I ask for? Not much. Oh, I did receive almost 50 Facebook shout outs and a ton of likes on some of the pictures I posted. :) Life is all about simple significance. It's where true love, gratitude and happiness lies!

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

I am a self proclaimed bibliophile and I have no shame about it! I have been this way since I was in elementary school. Perhaps it's because of all the book fairs?

Tuesday, I went Wal-Mart in the early morning between 7 am and 8 am to pick up my newest read, "Allegiant" by Veronica Roth. This is book three in her Divergent trilogy.

This early morning run reminded me of my Harry Potter book release days when I would venture out to the local Wal-Mart to pick up the latest copy for my collection. Of the two books I have read in this series, this is the only book that I went out to buy and tangible copy of because "Divergent" I borrowed from the high school library and "Insurgent" I purchased on my Kindle.

Unfortunately, this outing did not go as planned. I went to the store only to find NO COPIES OF THE BOOK!! Ergh. I did find a nice little sign saying be on the look out for the next installment, but not one single flippin' copy could be found ANYWHERE.

Did I mention I was dressed in a Dorothy costume this morning? Yea, I was. Picture it.....slightly disgruntled bibliophile walking around Wal-Mart at 7:45 am dressed as a character from the Wizard of Oz. It's homecoming week and this particular day was "Character Day."

Anywho, the next day I was still determined to get my book, but living in a small town my options are limited to just Wal-Mart unless I want to drive 45 minutes elsewhere. No one got time for that! Luckily, by day two of the book release Wal-Mart had their shelves stocked properly and this little lady got her book!

I think since I purchased the hardcover edition, I should go and order the other two books in the same edition so my collection can be complete. It's not weird to require that all your books series purchases be in the same edition is it? Nah. Who wants to see a hardcover and then a paper back side by side. My OCD can't handle that.

My sister and my nieces are into pageants. My sister won some titles in her day and has passed the "bug" onto her girls. Little"J" has a pageant in two weeks and my sister wanted to submit a photo for the Most Photogenic prize. So out comes Aunt Danielle ready and willing to test her photographer skills with no formal training. The night before I went on Pinterest and pinned some ideas onto my pictures, pictures board for inspiration, but pretty much I knew it was going to be a wing it kind of thing.

As I pull into my sister's house, I am looking around outside and scouting for places to shoot. Luckily for me, my sister's neighborhood had some scenic options to work with so I just went with it. Little "J" was all for the multiple pictures, poses and smiles. She's a little ham like her momma!

Here are a couple of my favorites from the photogenic photo shoot project:

All in all I left my sister with 55 photos to choose from and I know she was appreciative. I even got compliments and "awhs" from my brother in law (as he was watching his football game). I am thrilled that I was able to capture these precious moments. Kids grow up so fast ya know?

I hope I get more opportunities like this and chances to learn more about photography as time goes on. Until next time, keep it simple, but significant.

P.S. Can you think of a time when a favor turned into a great time? Leave a comment and share your story.

Sunday, October 20, 2013

When this momma gets some time to herself to unwind sometime between 8:00 pm to 8:30 pm, I like to read the latest blog posts from the bloggers I follow, waste time on Pinterest, read a little news or a book, and La-dee-da on Facebook. I thought it would be fun to share with you some of stuff I thought was interesting, neat, funny or weird. Here is part three of my series:

Proverbs 31 Facebook Message- "During turbulent times, our first response is determined by where we focus. When my focus is on myself or my circumstance my response will be at or despair. In pity, I may ask 'Why Me?' But when I look towards heaven, my response will reflect my confidence I God. As a result of my focus on God my 'Why?' Becomes 'What?' Like 'What are you teaching me in this storm Lord, and how can I use what I learn to help others?'

Shrinking brain- I came across this article from Time magazine. As a psychology teacher, I love to read articles like this because they grab your attention and allow you to apply what you already know or shake what you thought you knew! I will definitely be sharing this own with my students. #neuroscience

Oreos are deliciously addicting- a recent experiment on rats, scientist claim that Oreos are as addicting as cocaine or heroine! While this claim is shocking initially, it was only one or two years ago when "another study" claimed that texting was addicting as heroine. The idea is simple, the dopamine released during texting or eating of Oreos is pleasurable chemically. If you are constantly eating Oreos and/or texting you will eventually have a withdrawal of sorts when the texts stop or the Oreos are gone. (Insert sad face!)

Last but certainly not least, this picture is for all the cat lovers (and overly obsessed crazy cat ladies out there)! I thought this was hilarious when I came found it on Pinterest!

What was interesting about your week? I would love to hear from you in the comments sections! Have a great weekend everyone!

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Here is another snippet from my simple, but significant day to day life with my husband. My hubs and I have been married almost six years and I love him to pieces and sometimes the conversations we have can be down right hysterical! Here is conversation we had on Monday:

Hubs-"do you see this?" (Pointing to his face)

Me- "Yeah. So?"

Hubs- "I've been hit by a killing curse."

(Odd looks from me) followed with "what are you talking about?" (I think he is referencing some zombie Walking Dead thing).

Hubs- "The killing curse from Harry Potter! Avatar Cadaver" (he didn't say it right which makes it more funny)

Me- "It looks like you scratched yourself." (Literally laughing out loud at this point.)

Monday, October 14, 2013

I wanted to give you a little sneak peek into my life as a married lady. My hubs and I have been married almost six years and I love him to pieces and sometimes the conversations we have can be down right hysterical! Here is a snippet of one we had this weekend.

Hubs-"We're getting old."

Me-"What do you mean?"

Hubs-"We don't go to the movies anymore. We used to go all the time."

Me-"Yea we did. We can go to the movies, but here is how that conversation will go.....(mimicking my Hubby)
....I don't want to drive.
It'll probably be crowded with chatty teenagers.
It's expensive to go to the movies.
What's playing? Ugh, nothing good. If I am going to pay money it better be worth it!
All they are doing is remaking stuff! Can't someone come up with anything new and original?
I could do a better job.
Forget it! Let's just stay home! It too darn far and we can't make a decision anyway."

We got a good laugh from this one. Honestly, we are not old fuddy-duddies, but I can't remember the last time we went to the movies. Perhaps we will venture out for the next Hunger Games film next month! We'll see.....

Sunday, October 13, 2013

It's hard to believe, but we were running low on toilet paper! I have been waiting and waiting for a good stock up deal....patiently might I add!

Side note: this is why stocking up is beneficial and important. I don't have to do emergency runs to the store and pay full price. I can wait for the most opportune moment to buy!

The sale add I was looking for finally arrived. It was a great time too because I had some extra ECBs and CVS e-mailed me a $4/$20 Q that expired Sunday. CVS is running a promotion WYB $30 worth of select items, you will get $10 in ECBs. Here is my transaction breakdown:

I bought (4) 12 packs of Scott Toilet Paper priced at $7.49 each for a total of $29.96 plus tax

I used (4) .75/1 mfr Qs and $9 in ECBs. I paid $17.96, but I got $10 in ECBs back so my OOP was $7.96 for (4) 12 packs which breaks down to $2 each!! Woot, woot!

Saturday, October 12, 2013

Last night I went to my high school football game--the old alma mater. I love going to the home games and cheering on "the boys." I was feeling a little nostalgic this morning so I wrote a little poem.

Friday, October 11, 2013

When this momma gets some time to herself to unwind sometime between 8:00 pm to 8:30 pm, I like to read the latest blog posts from the bloggers I follow, waste time on Pinterest, read a little news or a book, and La-dee-da on Facebook.I thought it would be fun to share with you some of stuff I thought was interesting, neat, funny or weird. Here is part two of my series:The Fart That DID Alter My Destiny

Did you read that title? The title alone made me laugh! I wanted to share with you a blog post from Single Dad Laughing. So, SDL is on a date with his "new love" and he gets a case of the poots. Talk about awkward, but I can totally relate. I've been in the middle of teaching when my lunch decides it hates me!Depression TED talk

Depression is a seriously and it effects millions of people on a day to day basis. I came across this TED talk this week and it stuck with me because he was a teen when his depression started. I think to myself, he could be one of my students! Kevin Breel is a 19 year old writer, comedian, and mental health activist.

Bruce and Kris Jenner Confirm they are separated.

Honestly I could care less about KUWTK reality show, but I can't help thinking, "Are they the newest victims of the reality TV curse? or is this some publicity stunt cooked up by their PR team to keep their names in the headlines?" The New York Daily News is reporting that "no prenup with $125 million fortune at stake could result in messy divorce for the couple."

Last but certainly not least, I would I leave you with a little doggy humor!

Thanks for stopping by! It's been another simple, but significant week for me and I wouldn't change a thing.

What did you come across this week that was cool, funny, scary or interesting?

Thursday, October 10, 2013

I just wanted to share a quick pic I took on my phone after my Little Miss "brushed" my hair. I'll be honest ---it wasn't the most pleasant hair styling I've ever had, but it was filled with love!

Would I do it again? Absolutely! I have to cherish these simple and significant moments before they are gone. She won't remember the days my hair was perfectly coifed or my best outfit. She will remember the times we spent together and the bond that we shared. In the end, that's all that matters to me!

I am almost 28 years old and I have never been to the eye doctor. Hard to believe? Maybe I am just fortunate to have pretty good eye sight. So why the big "first visit?" Well it all goes back to the fact that I have to renew my driver's license this month and I am paranoid about failing the vision test and not being able to drive because of a expired license!

I've had issues with seeing small print at a distance, but overall my vision is good. I am not a squinter. I don't get headaches because I am reading and I don't see squiggles or have floaters. Nonetheless to the optometrist I go. The nurse I made my appointment with cautioned me about driving afterwards so I called my cousin Sara to pick me up and drive me in case I can't see post exam.

I'll admit I was nervous about the whole appointment. I don't mind the possibility of getting glasses. I look great in glasses!! I can pull of the cool nerdy look with a touch of sophistication. It's the put stuff in and on my eye part that gives me nervous butterflies.

Before my appointment, I shop around the frame selections and check out prices and try on possible frames while I can still see! I find these cute neutral color Michael Kors frames. What sold me more on the frames was the fact that they were 50% off! I was happy about that because the frames were originally prices $315! Wowsa That's expensive metal!

Not long after picking out frames, I hear my name to go back. I gather my things and off I go into the wild unknown. My nurse was nice! She talked me through everything and was patient with me. The drops didn't burn too bad although the numbing agent made my eyes "feel heavy." I held on to the vision machine with a ninja death grip when she had to touch my eye with the equipment. Just breathe......

During the initial exam, I felt so bad at messing up the reading of the lines. My left eye was worse than my right eye. I don't like failing things. I never have so when my vision was blurry or I couldn't see I was quite honest with her and eventually Dr. Parker when he came in.

All in all the health of my eye is good. I was diagnosed as having farsightedness (that was a surprise) and a slight astigmatism. He said that I would pass a vision test to renew my license and that his feelings would not be hurt if I chose not to fill his prescription for glasses. P.S. I loved the sense of humor on that guy! He was pleasant to talk to! A+ for bedside.....well maybe chair side manner! Plus, he was a USF alumni too!

I decided to go ahead and get the prescription filled just to have the glasses on hand. I read a lot so I know they would help when my eyes are tired. Plus, I pay for vision insurance so why not take advantage of my low OOP costs. My glasses will arrive early next week! I'm kind of excited about it. I will most definitely share a picture as soon as I can. Until then, here is an old picture of me dressed geeky for homecoming week! The theme was beauty and the geek.

Overall, I am glad I went. I know I psyched my self up a bit about the whole appointment. It's just where my mind goes I suppose. I'm not a hypochondriac, but just concerned.....A LOT! Simple significance, right?

What has been a first in your life recently? I would love to know! Share your experience in the comments section.

Monday, October 7, 2013

Sometimes the best weekends are the ones the Hubs and I spend at home. I am not always interested or in the mood go out and about. What would my 20 year old self say to me now? It was one of those days for me this Saturday.

After a long day of grocery shopping and looking for toddler toys and organizers for Little Miss' makeover, I was pooped and thankful that we had no plans and would be staying in and chillaxing. Have I mentioned that Hubby can cook? He's great in the kitchen and tonight he decided to cook up some steaks.

It's still so freaking hot outside---90 degree fall here in Florida, so he opted to cook them up inside than rather on the grill.

To go along with our pan fried steaks, I made green beans and baked potatoes. The green beans were seasoned with salt and pepper to taste, lemon juice, bacon and kalamata olives.

Do you like my cutting board? Yea, it's a paper plate. All of my other cutting boards were dirty! Don't judge!

Sunday, October 6, 2013

Bye bye baby toys and hello toddlerhood! Tear. Sniff. Sigh. The time has come where the Hubs and I will be packing up Little Miss' baby toys (and the ones she doesn't play with anymore) and making room for "big girl" toys.

Little Miss will be turning 2 in a month!

I know she's been officially a toddler for a while now, but more and more she is loosing interest in the toys/activities from when she was "little."

She very much enjoys and does very well with her friends or cousin's "big kid" stuff. So as her loving parents, we will oblige her with a play area and room organization upgrade!

This has been something that I've been wanting to do for a while, but I haven't had the initiative to do so. I finally vocalized my thoughts to the Hubs last weekend and he agreed and hoped on board the idea train.

So what items are on the agenda? Well, we are going to bag up some of her older toys and store them in the attic (in case the ever decide to have another baby) or what my Hubby calls "our (my) hoarding tendencies."

Then I suspect we are off like a heard of turtles to Walmart, Big Lots, or Kmart to make some purchases. I am thinking we might get a small bookshelf (possible thrift store find repurpose project), one or two large round tubs, and possibly a multi bin toy organizer. My friend Hannah bought Avery an art easel last year and we want to set that up finally!

I am happy with how this little area turned out this far!

I'll be honest, I don't want my house run amuck with toys. My OCD like tendencies can only handle so much clutter. I don't want to have worry that the dog might eat little bits of her toys here and there either. As long as everything has a place to go or a home area, it should work out well!

I had a nice time shopping for Little Miss on Saturday. I didn't find everything I wanted, but I will eventually! What is on your to do list for your kiddo?